Whatever your style preference, there’s definitely something that will catch your eye – and perhaps even impress your saudara-mara (relatives) too.
As we count down the days to Eid al-Filtr with hearty buka puasa buffets, there’s something equally as exciting to keep our minds off hunger pangs: shopping for Raya outfits!
This year, Malaysia’s top designers have reinterpreted classics like kurung, kebaya and songket as well as introduced flamboyant prints and intricate embroideries. Whatever your style preference, there’s definitely something that will catch your eye – and perhaps even impress your saudara-mara (relatives) too.
Here are some of our favourite Raya 2018 collections to balik kampung in style. Happy shopping!
Rizalman for Zalora
What do you get when Rizalman meets Bollywood? The answer: an exhilarating play on prints, textures, and silhouettes. His collection for Zalora celebrates the lively culture with ornate lace details, lavish brocade, and overlay constructions that will match the vibrance of the festivities. W zalora.com.my
Jovian Mandagie X Ivan Gunawan
After partnering with Lisa Surihani last year, Mandagie is back with another collaboration – this time with Indonesian designer Ivan Gunawan. Their collection is one that favours minimalistic allure over loud prints and a delicate, monotonous palette over clashing colours. W jovian.com.my
Bernard Chandran Petang Raya
Drawing inspiration from the glossy Parisian nights of the 70s, Bernard Chandran’s latest Petang Raya collection boasts a combination of rich colours and textures. Traditional Malay designs are reimagined with varying proportions, volumes, embellishments and painstaking techniques including pleating, ribbing and weaving. The result? A revolutionary collection that remains true to Malaysian heritage. W bernardchandran.com
Khoon Hooi Eid 2018 Bespoke
Like his Fall/Winter 2018 show, Khoon Hooi’s Eid 2018 collection features extravagant brocade with colourful prints as well as lace and embellishments. Delicate florals decorate the mix of kurungs, kebayas and modern tops, albeit in a softer palette than the former collection – exuding a demure, feminine appeal overall. W khoonhooi.com
Emel by Melinda Looi
Emel continues to present what it’s known for with its My Chantilly designs: “a colourful and very wearable collection of modern baju kurung inspired by the beauty of Chantilly lace.” The collection features a range of delicate lace prints and colour-block pieces that are both versatile and exclusive – so you can wear them multiple times after Raya. W emelbymelindalooi.com
Nurita Harith Lebaran Luxe
Elegant, fresh and romantic all at the same time, this collection is designed with the modern woman in mind. Mesh and lace necklines give off a sensual allure while sashes and ribbons further accentuate the figure. W nuritaharith.com
Syomirizwa Gupta for Zalora
Those who prefer sticking to the classics will appreciate Gupta’s exquisite designs, consisting mainly of kurungs and kebayas with meticulous lace and batik motifs. Golden clasps and dazzling embellishments adorn the collection, skilfully complementing each design with a touch of shine. W zalora.com.my
Afiq M
Unpretentiously cool and laid-back is how we’d describe Afiq M’s latest Lebaran collection, which includes a range of modern tops and skirts, kaftans and sarongs. Pearl-embellished belts cinch the waistline and create the illusion of a longer and leaner silhouette (great option to hide all those extra calories from Raya open houses, perhaps?). W zalora.com.my
Images: Courtesy of respective brands & Zalora